Fiji has reported a total of 1,583 new HIV cases in 2024, with 490 cases documented during the last quarter of the year, from October to December. This was announced by the Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, during a Development Partner Roundtable focused on the country’s HIV response in Suva. Among the new cases, 32 were identified in newborns due to mother-to-child transmission.
The new cases span across all divisions of Fiji. The Central Division recorded the highest number, accounting for 1,100 cases or 69.49% of the total, followed by the Western Division with 427 cases (26.97%), the Northern Division with 50 cases (3.16%), and the Eastern Division with six cases (0.38%).
The demographic data indicates that the 20 to 29 age group is particularly affected, which represents 51% of cases with a total of 815 diagnoses. Furthermore, men represent 70% of the new infections, primarily affecting the iTaukei population, which constitutes 90.3% of the cases. Fijians of Indian descent accounted for 8.4%, while other ethnic groups made up the remaining 1.3%.
These figures highlight the pressing issue of HIV in Fiji, necessitating urgent public health strategies. Previous reports indicated a concerning trend, as seen from earlier statistics of a 33% increase in cases during the first half of 2024, totaling 552 cases. The Ministry has acknowledged the rise in infections, particularly among younger populations and injectable drug users.
Efforts are being directed toward increasing public awareness, enhancing testing and treatment facilities, and targeting prevention programs, fostering hope that these initiatives may lead to improved management of HIV in Fiji. The intent is to better equip the healthcare system to combat this growing challenge and encourage a healthier future for all Fijians.
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